The results of the 2015 Southern Cross Packaging Design Awards, which recognise the creativity of Australian students, have been released.
Awards manager Jen Salem said the judges were impressed by the level of thinking and demonstrated ability to solve the industry's set briefs.
Under the guidance of the Australian Institute of Packaging, this award program was adopted 30 years ago by the Packaging Council of Australia (PCA).
This year, more than 400 entries were received from 20 institutes across Australia including Universities, TAFEs and private colleges specialising in graphic, packaging and industrial design.
The judging panel included graphic and industrial designers, business owners and former winners.
Senior judge Michael Grima said students had six briefs to choose from, with the direction of each brief set by the sponsors and driven by a packaging format or process.
“As judges we always aim to find that trifecta of quality that includes an articulate and methodical rationale, a creative, well-formed packaging design solution, and a quality finished mock-up,” he said.
“It was encouraging to note the diversity of schools and geographic dispersion from Commendation through to Gold winners, with five states across Australia represented.
“Congratulations to all those involved. We're looking forward to next year’s creative pool of talent on display."
Here are the Gold award winners, with judges' comments:
Brief: Toy packaging
Winner: Lucy Sargent, Billy Blue College of Design, NSW
Entry: 'Go Racer'
“Lucy completed sound research in her design process – understanding the importance of a user-friendly packaging experience, the current problems faced by consumers and the need that exists to connect with the target audience – children. Go Racer is a small wooden race car which allows the packaging to become part of the product. Each part of the packaging is magnetic, which provides children to create a racetrack, garage and ramp. It’s easy to use, interactive and enjoyable.”
Brief: Birds Eye 'Family of Packaging' range
Winner: Sarah Radge, TAFE Queensland East Coast, QLD
“Sarah has ticked every box this brief asked. Her design has created a space that allows the packs to stand out from competitors – while belonging in the same family. The pack design created is a unique shape that boasts excellent and effective imagery. The labelling on pack meets the industry standard and is supported by excellent photography. All round, an excellent solution.”
Brief: Spice Up: Dry herbs and spices
Winner: Sarah McColl, Billy Blue College of Design, VIC
“Sarah’s rationale showed that she knows her stuff! Her level of research was impressive and really paved the way for her to reach such a sound solution. Starting with the current problems faced by consumers with spice packaging – she has designed a three-level, concertina shaped pack that allows the consumer to stack at various levels so each variant is visible in the cupboard. She has incorporated bright colours and silver foiling to allow the pack to stand out both on the shelf and at home. The product has been carefully considered as she has chosen an opaque white plastic with no transparent windows to protect the spice from the UV light which would impact the flavor. A UV light inhibitor has been added to the plastic for further protection.”
Brief: John West tuna for kids (pictured)
Winner: James Innis, TAFE Queensland East Coast, QLD
“Kids' Catch is a well thought out concept that met and exceeded all of the requirements of this brief. James produced a pack that would stand out on the shelf amongst current competitors. He did sound research in understanding both the primary and secondary target market - especially how the kids interact with the pack and the product. A reusable spork with a fun fishtail shaped end is included, and is located above the perforation. The shape of the pouch is suitable for a lunchbox and is easy for the kids to eat from. Clear communication with the "Push, Tear, Eat" call out tells them exactly what to do. An excellent solution to a challenging brief."
Brief: Packaging for today's consumer
Winner: Thomas Schwaiger, Billy Blue College of Design, NSW
"Thomas addressed the issues of current packaging for paint, specifically targeted at signwriters and lettering specialists. The product, Bespoke Lettering Enamel, focuses on easy storage and handling as well as a unique pouring solution. Thomas created an in-built spout to channel the paint out and over. The spout is deep enough to act as a barrier and stop the paint from sitting in the rim and improves the product life and paint quality by removing paint from the rim to provide the lid with a tight seal. The box, lid and palette are made from tinplate with the spout of the tin made from HDPE. Thomas has also created a brand that suits the contemporary market and target audience. A clever solution for this target market"
JUDGES RATIONALE AWARD
Winner: Sarah McColl, Billy Blue College of Design, VIC
“Sarah's rationale was the perfect example of what the judges were looking for in this communication piece. Through the use of clear headings, subheadings and diagrams she clearly explained the stages of her design process - research, concept development, refinement and her final design which included the style guide, packaging dimensions, features, labels and product specifications. Sarah was also the Gold winner in the Spice Up: Dry Herbs and Spices category.
For the remaining Silver, Bronze and Highly Commended Award winners, click here.
The Best of Show winner will be announced on Thursday 12 November at the PCA's cocktail party in Albert Park, Melbourne. Click here to register.
